Red Cross Urges Readiness For Winter Storms

Posted 2017-01-10

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 — Weather forecasters are calling for more heavy rains to hit the Los Angeles area this weekend and throughout the month, potentially triggering flooding, landslides and mudslides. The Red Cross Los Angeles Region is urging residents to be ready and make preparations for any weather related disasters.

“With the potential threats to our area it is important to be well prepared and informed,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “Continually rains may lead to severe flooding in many parts of our region. I ask all residents and visitors to take the time to follow preparedness tips and share them with your family, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone stays safe during the winter storms.”

Some of the simple steps residents can take to keep families safe during winter storms is to first, stay informed. Turn on your television or radio to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions. Families should know where to go to reach higher ground quickly and on foot. Also, build an emergency preparedness kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Also, residents should prepare their homes to prevent further damage by removing any outdoor furniture that can be swept away and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.

Residents may also disconnect electrical appliances during electrical storms and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

The Red Cross asks residents to download the Red Cross Emergency App that provides users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood or a landslide. The content is available in English and Spanish based on the user’s language settings on their mobile device. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings – even if the app is closed.

The Emergency App also combines content from the group of award-winning Red Cross apps with additional information about what to do in case of 14 different types of emergencies and disasters. It also allows users to customize more than 35 emergency alerts based on their location and where loved ones live.

About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcrossla.orgor cruzrojaLA.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.